Setting Up Reference Windows for Digital Drawing on iPad

Maximize your creative workflow on iPad. Learn to set up floating reference windows using Stage Manager and Split View for seamless drawing.

1. Enable Stage Manager. Open Settings, navigate to Multitasking & Gestures, and select Stage Manager. Ensure the toggle for 'Recent Apps' is enabled to maintain access to your sidebar.
2. Open your primary drawing application. Launch your preferred illustration app, such as Procreate or Adobe Fresco. Ensure the canvas is active before proceeding to add your reference layer.
3. Add a reference window. Tap the three-dot multitasking button at the top of the screen. Select the 'Add Window' icon to open your app picker or swipe up from the bottom to reveal the Dock and drag your reference app into the workspace.
4. Resize and position your reference. Drag the corner handle of the secondary window to shrink the reference image to a manageable size. Position it to the left or right edge of your canvas to keep your active drawing area clear.
5. Adjust window transparency. If your drawing app supports it, toggle the reference window's opacity settings. In dedicated drawing apps like Procreate, use the 'Reference' panel within the Canvas menu instead for a non-floating, canvas-locked preview.